“Jump In” To This Backyard Party

Sioux Falls, SD backyard designed by Chad Kasten of Weller Brothers Landscaping

“Jump In” To This Backyard Party

Design by

Chad Kasten

When you look into your backyard, do you imagine a thoughtfully designed space where your family can create memories?

With minimal existing features, our clients wanted a backyard that satisfied their love for gathering and enjoying their outdoor space. Our team executed this vision perfectly.

This Sioux Falls, SD, backyard began as an area with endless possibilities, featuring minimal landscaping and an in-ground trampoline which the client wanted to include in the future design. Through the initial consultation, Senior Landscape Designer Chad Kasten and our client identified the “must have” features within the design — a pool, fire feature, and comfortable seating.

Built from Pride and Passion

We all know that committing to a landscape design that will be in place for years to come can be challenging and intimidating. The homeowner hoped to create an inviting space that anyone from children to adults could enjoy. In the design, Chad included a cedar wood pergola with stone veneer columns to create a unique space that draws people to it.

Throughout the process, the homeowner mentioned that “you can see the pride and passion that the team has for what they are doing”.

Once we built the seating area, the next step was to seamlessly combine the existing features with new features.

“To have a designer who understands what is important to people and what people are looking for is very important,” our client says. “He threw in a few extra ideas into the design as well, to make it all come together.”

Design Elements and Features

A focal point feature of this project is the cedar wood pergola with natural stone columns. This area provides additional seating near the pool with visual interest.

The client selected pavers from Techo-Bloc for the patio and pool area, which are aesthetically suited and ideal for years of high-traffic use.

Our experienced partners at Combined Pool and Spa installed the pool and American Fence created additional safety and privacy with a surrounding fence. To complete the project, low-voltage lights were installed within the landscaping to accommodate the use of the space during the evenings.

Schedule Your Midwest Landscaping Consultation

We believe that life’s best moments happen outdoors. Our team of experienced landscape designers, foremen, and technicians work each day to create outdoor landscaping projects that we are proud you can enjoy with your friends and family.

For more than two decades, the Weller Brothers team has been designing and building quality landscaping in South Dakota.

Learn more about our design process in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

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Landscape Enhancement: AlphaGraphics

Enhancement by

Justin Pudenz

AlphaGraphics is a top printing and marketing company in Sioux Falls. Their professional and friendly team offers quality services including signage, banners, brochures, stationary, and more.

Heck, we once ordered an eight-foot cardboard cut-out of a Weller Brothers teammate from them. They really do it all!

However, their exterior landscaping wasn’t aligned with the quality of service that customers experience inside Alphagraphics.

That’s why they came to Weller Brothers with a vision for updated landscaping around the commercial property, and Justin and the team got to work!

Before

After 18 years in their building, the landscape beds at AlphaGraphics had aged.

“It was time for a refresh,” owner Paul Van Veldhuizen says.

The rock beds were in poor shape, and plant material alongside the building and in the boulevard was overgrown and impeding drive lanes, and the poly edging along the beds was no longer serving its purpose.

After

Justin and the team approached this project with solutions that would be low-maintenance, durable, and look great.

“I engaged Justin for a quote on what it would take to refresh our landscaping beds,” Paul says. “Within the week, he met me with a drawing and pricing. Very easy and easy to understand.”

This included removing the existing plant material and replacing it with arborvitaes along the building, willows in the boulevard, and a variety of perennials in the refreshed rock beds.

We also replaced the old poly edging with steel edging, which looks sharp and will hold up much longer over the years.

Hear It From the AlphaGraphics Team

Paul Van Veldhuizen, owner of the Sioux Falls AlphaGraphics location, says that Weller Brothers “made it easy.”

“They were very attentive to our needs and communicated very well when it came time to do the installation,” Paul says. “They even informed us of weather that may hamper their work. After the installation, Justin came by to make sure we were happy and to discuss care for the new plants.“

Whether it’s time to refresh your existing landscaping at your home or a commercial property like AlphaGraphics, Weller Brothers is your go-to team in Sioux Falls, Rochester, MN, or Des Moines, Iowa.

Contact us today to begin the conversation!

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Landscape Enhancement: From Dead Grass to Bright Corner Bed

a green lawn with a mulch landscape bed and plants

Landscape Enhancement: From Dead Grass to Bright Corner Bed

Enhancement by

Dallas Moore

After a large corner lot tree was taken out by the May 2022 derecho in South Dakota, the homeowners struggled to grow grass in the area.

This was due to the accumulation of pine needles over the years. Pine needles create a challenging environment for grass growth due to a couple of key factors:

Soil acidity: When pine needles decompose, they create acidic soil conditions, but grass thrives in neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
Nutrient depletion: Pine needles deplete the soil of some nutrients as they decompose while releasing other nutrients. This creates an imbalance that hinders grass growth.

The homeowner missed his tree and was tired of the unsightly brown area on the corner of the property.

As an eye-catching solution, Dallas designed a simple mulch landscape bed that integrated pollinator plants the homeowner selected. These included hydrangeas, Pugster Amethyst butterfly bushes, powwow white coneflower, and lobelia.

We surrounded the bed with steel edging that will provide years of longevity over poly-edging.

Our client was thrilled to be part of the plant selection process and says many neighbors have commented on the new focal point of his yard.

Progression Photos

How Can We Help Enhance Your Landscaping?

If you have a landscaping issue you’re not sure how to fix, trust the Weller Brothers team to find a solution.

We approach these challenges every single day and we’d love to enhance your landscaping, too, in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.

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From Blank Slate to Backyard Oasis

Backyard pool and patio designed by Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

From Blank Slate to Backyard Oasis

Design by

Ron Peterson

Do you ever walk into your backyard and wish that it was more? More inviting for friends and family to hang out with, more convenient for dining outdoors, and most of all, a functional space to create memories in. With an empty slate of a backyard, our clients wanted a space for all of this, and that is exactly what we created for them.

This backyard began as a very low and flat area, with only a small concrete patio. The main goal was to create an area that all ages could enjoy for years to come, along with an outdoor bar, a multi-use countertop, a cozy seating area near the pool, and a pool slide for the kids.

Transforming the Space

We all know that trees contribute many benefits to our environment, and that includes privacy! The homeowners hoped to create a secluded backyard that afforded them privacy when enjoying their outdoor space. In the design, Ron included tall oak trees along the perimeter of the yard to solve this.

Once the privacy issue was addressed, the next step was to create a fun and engaging area for the kids. Below the pool, Ron designated a green space perfect for playing and running around.

“In fact,” Ron says, “the kids’ playset ended up in the same exact place it sat before we began the project.”

Thankfully, this project was relatively free of challenges. The homeowners’ desires aligned seamlessly with the space’s potential, making the design process smooth and efficient.

Design Elements and Materials

A standout feature of this project is the seat wall, which was constructed using a manufactured concrete block that mimics the look of natural stone. This wall provides additional seating around the patio and also creates visual interest.

We selected Techo Blu 60 pavers for the patio and pool area, which are stylish and ideal for years of high-traffic use.

We also enlisted the expertise of Combined Pool and Spa for the installation of their new pool, and American Fence for the surrounding fencing.

Feeling Inspired?

Whether you have an empty backyard like this homeowner’s or existing landscaping that needs an upgrade, our design team can create an outdoor living space that is beautiful, functional, and fun.

Learn more about our design process in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.

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the Weller Brothers Way.

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How to Identify and Prevent Blight Disease In Your Lawn

a Midwest lawn has brown spots from blight disease

How to Identify and Prevent Blight Disease In Your Lawn

We all know what it’s like to feel stressed out. So does your lawn!

When your lawn is stressed, the leaves and blades of grass may turn brown, bleached, or straw-colored. This is a clear symptom of blight disease.

Similar to with Red Thread Disease, your lawn will grow out of blight disease, but it takes practice adjustments and time. The best way to prevent blight is to take preventative measures to keep your lawn stress- and fungus-free.

Why Did My Lawn Get Blight?

Your lawn becomes stressed by several factors, including:

weather and moisture fluctuations
compacted soil
improper mowing or watering practices

When any of these occur, blight disease takes over and you’ll see large, irregular patches of dead or discolored grass in your yard.

While this looks bad, there’s good news – blight primarily affects the leaves but doesn’t damage the roots, so it’s not a serious long-term threat to your lawn.

How Can I Prevent Blight?

The best way to prevent blight disease in your Midwest lawn is to keep it healthy and stress-free. We typically see blight disease appear on lawns that have received poor watering practices, are mowed with dull blades, or have a very thick thatch layer.

So, here are some initial steps you can take to improve your lawn care practices:

Perform deep and infrequent watering vs. frequent and shallow watering. This allows the water to soak further into the soil, encouraging the grass to develop deep roots that can withstand stressful dry periods.
Maintain proper mowing height for the grass type (usually 2-3 inches), which allows the grass to shade the soil and retain moisture.
Sharpen mower blades regularly. This creates clean cuts that heal faster and are less prone to infection.
Perform core aeration in the spring and fall. When soil becomes compacted, it restricts nutrient movement to the roots. This causes stress, making it more susceptible to fungal diseases. Aeration alleviates this compaction.
Perform dethatching/power raking in the spring. Thick thatch layers trap moisture and create a humid environment in your lawn’s soil – a perfect place for fungus! When you remove this excess thatch, air can circulate better near the neal and reduce moisture build-up.

If you don’t have the time or desire to follow lawn care practices like proper watering, mowing, aeration, and dethatching, then maybe it’s time to hire a full-service lawn care team like Weller Brothers!

How Do I Treat Blight?

Once you address the stress factors by implementing the above practices, blight disease will likely resolve on its own. We do not recommend treating blight with fungicides but rather by correcting the stress-causing practices.

So, here are your next steps if your lawn has blight disease:

Identify the stress-causing factor(s). Are your mower blades dull? Has it been years since you’ve had aeration and dethatching?
Fix the issue. For example, get new mower blades. Or, schedule aeration and dethatching with Weller Brothers.
Give it time. Once you have addressed the stress factor, your lawn should bounce back to health in 4-6 mowings.

Weller Brothers Is Here to Help

There are many turf diseases to watch out for in the Midwest. If you notice brown or dry spots in your lawn, something’s up.

The best thing to do is contact a turf specialist at Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals so he or she can identify the lawn disease and the proper treatment.

Rochester Sioux Falls

Seeing Pink In Your Lawn? It’s Likely Red Thread Disease

Red Thread Disease appears as pink fuzz in a lawn

Seeing Pink In Your Lawn? It’s Likely Red Thread Disease

Seeing spots?

Are they pink?

And fuzzy?

No, you’re not crazy; you have Red Thread Disease. (Well, your lawn does.)

Red Thread Disease is a fungal disease that affects turfgrass during wet or cool weather. You’ll also see it pop up right after periods of heavy rainfall.

While that cotton-candy look in your lawn might be interesting, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of it.

Is My Lawn Done For?

Great news! Red Thread disease will not kill your lawn and the consequences of the fungus are purely aesthetic. However, it is contagious and will spread by mowing or transferring grass clippings to healthy areas of your lawn.

If you’ve caught a case of the Red, you have a couple of options:

Do nothing. Thankfully, your turf will recover on its own with time. It’ll just be ugly and patchy until then.
Have a turf specialist at Weller Brothers inspect your lawn. There may be issues that necessitate a fungicide treatment to reduce the severity of the disease and promote rapid turf recovery. We’ll have your lawn looking great again in no time!

How Can I Prevent Red Thread Disease?

We’re so glad you asked!

There are several cultural practices you can improve or implement to prevent future visits from this fuzzy fungus friend:

Promote good air circulation with regular mowing, trimming edges, aeration, and dethatching
Always mow your lawn at an appropriate height
Water deeply, but less frequently to avoid a constantly damp environment

Weller Brothers Is Here to Help

We are your turf experts in Rochester, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD. If you’re unsure how to tackle the Red Thread Disease in your lawn, we’d be happy to provide a recommendation and discuss treatment options if necessary.

Rochester Sioux Falls

How Moisture Manager Benefits Your Lawn and Your Water Bill

Did you know that with one or two simple applications, you can reduce your lawn watering by 50%?

Is your irrigation schedule racking up your water bill without creating a green, luscious lawn like you envisioned? You are not alone in the uphill battle of managing the moisture levels of your lawn. The professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN have a simple solution — Moisture Manager.

Moisture Manager is a granular application that provides extensive health and aesthetic benefits to your lawn.

No matter the weather, the Weller Brothers Way is to adapt and continue providing our clients with innovative solutions for their lawn health goals. It is time to reclaim the added expense and stress of irrigation and consider Moisture Manager to reduce the need for watering by nearly 50%.

Circle pattern done by Weller Brothers Landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD lawn

Figure 8 pattern completed by Weller Brothers Landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD lawn

Benefits of Moisture Management

1. Control or Eliminate Dry Spots: Moisture Manager is a granular application that can be applied at the same time as a fertilizer and weed control application. The formula is evenly spread throughout the lawn and penetrates the soil near plant roots. The technology within the Moisture Manager ensures that water is evenly absorbed within your soil and held for times of drought.

2. Reduce Thatch Build-up: Thatch build-up occurs when lawns are watered too shallow or frequently causes the grassroots to not grow deeply enough within the soil. Moisture Manager promotes deep root growth and can lessen the amount of thatch build-up in your lawn. In addition to applying Moisture Manager during the growing season, aeration in the fall is beneficial to reduce soil compaction promoting growth the next season.

3. Enhance Nutrient Absorption: Well-hydrated lawns can evenly and more efficiently absorb natural nutrients as well as nutrients that are added through fertilizer. Applying fertilizer to your lawn can help it grow well and maintain the ideal look, however, if the soil presents too much or too little moisture, the fertilizer will not be as effective.

4. Protect Against Drought Stress and Disease: Long periods that include a lack of moisture can cause lawns to go into drought stress. This could include browning of the grass or going into a dormancy stage that does not generally take place until the weather begins to cool. Lawn rust is one of the most common forms of lawn disease that develops from a lack of moisture and will show orangish-brown spots that will get larger as the disease progresses.

5. Improve Flood Control: Moisture Manager is not only helpful in a time of drought but also in times of heavy rainfall. Moisture Manager will help your soil evenly retain water deeper within the soil allowing grass roots to grow deeper and stronger rather than shallow and weak creating a thatch layer. When moisture levels are high you may notice that your lawn creates pools of water that eventually evaporate and are not useable to your lawn.

When is the best time to apply Moisture Manager to my lawn?

As if Moisture Manager does not have enough benefits in itself, another benefit is that you cannot go wrong by applying it! Below are a few recommendations from the lawn care professionals:

Springtime — this allows for the moisture manager to penetrate deeply into the soil as spring rain falls and prepare for an unpredictable summer season.
Summer — as we reach the halfway mark of the Midwest lawn care season (July or August), the summer can be harsh on lawns as the rainfall can vary. Ensuring your lawn is being irrigated enough can become costly and ineffective. Moisture Manager in this season will ensure that your watering efforts are being maximized.

How to tell if it is time to apply or reapply Moisture Manager?

On average, Moisture Manager is effective for 90 days after application, meaning that two treatments a summer should be all you need. If the grass is starting to require more frequent irrigation to stay healthy, you will need to reapply.

Contact Us For Moisture Management in Sioux Falls and Rochester

The lawn care professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN, have the experience to identify if your lawn could benefit from Moisture Manager services.

Rochester Sioux Falls

Sidewalk Edging: Why Your Lawn Needs It

After sidewalk edging in Sioux Falls, SD

Sidewalk Edging: Why Your Lawn Needs It

Have you ever wondered, “What is sidewalk edging?” or “Do I even need to bother edging my yard?” The professionals with the Weller Brothers team in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN are here to defend the hype behind sidewalk edging.

Sidewalk edging is a simple once a year service that makes a huge difference in lawn health and property value!

The Weller Brothers Way is to approach lawn health in a comprehensive, timely, and professional manner. It is time for you to take back control of your sidewalks and learn why sidewalk edging is the solution to your lawn health problems.

Before photo of sidewalk edging in Sioux Falls SD

5 Benefits of Sidewalk Edging

1. Smart Water Management: Midwest rainfall can be unpredictable, so preparing your lawn for heavy rains should be a priority.

Have you noticed that water pools in strange areas after it rains, specifically near your home’s foundation? Sidewalking edging helps you take control of this. Edging will help guide the water away from your house and avoid flooding your favorite landscaping plants. Think of edging like the bumpers found at the bowling alley — keep the water flowing exactly where you want it!

2. Keep the Trespassing Weeds to a Minimum: Edging your lawn is similar to building a fence or putting up a “no trespassing” sign for weeds. The clean line serves as a barrier, making it harder for weeds to trespass onto your property.

Not only does it serve your lawn better, but sidewalk edging can keep the weeds from invading your flower beds, too. It’s a win-win: less weeding, healthier grass, and a sharp-looking lawn. If you are having persistent problems with weeds in your lawn, we have a solution for that too with our fertilizer and weed control program.

3. Top Tier Organization: Lawn edging defines where gardens, walkways, or even your patio begin and end. This is similar to drawing a map of your yard; edging makes everything neat and prevents accidental trampling or mowing of flower beds. Not only will this make your yard look polished, but you will also be able to easily identify where you should mow.

4. Pest Protection: A similar reason to water management, edging will create a mini-wall that helps deter pesky pests from your landscape beds, garden, and patio. As a bonus, a clean edge makes it easier to spot pests and damage so you can take action immediately.

5. Property Value: Property value is important to any homeowner. Whether you are looking to sell or reappraise the value after the hard work of making your house a home, edging could help. Sidewalk edging is a simple way to make your lawn look like a well-maintained and high-quality property. Clean lines always impress potential buyers and boost your curb appeal.

When is the best time to edge my lawn?

While there is not a set date that you must edge your lawn, it is a task that you’ll want to tackle a few times a year and it will depend on different factors.

Springtime: This provides optimal moisture in the soil while your grass is actively growing. Performing edging in the spring sets your lawn up for success throughout the growing season.
Summer: As we reach the halfway mark of the Midwest lawn care season (July or August), the summer provides a great opportunity to reclaim overgrown edges and manicure your lawn for the rest of the season.
Concurrent with each mowing: this ensures that your lawn edges stay well-manicured and benefit your property all season long.

How to tell if it is time for sidewalk edging?

The key to edging is to do it before your yard begins to resemble an overgrown jungle. Below are a few ways to spot if it is time for sidewalk edging:

The grass is overgrown on your sidewalks, driveway, or flower beds. Overgrowth is the number one sign that you should edge your lawn.
Frequently mowing — if you are mowing your lawn frequently or battling fast-growing grass, you will likely need to edge more often to keep your lawn edges sharp.
Soil conditions and crumbling soil can lead to uneven grass growth, which will result in more frequent edging.

Contact Us For Edging in Sioux Falls and Rochester

The lawn care professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN, have the experience and equipment to properly edge your lawn this summer.

Rochester Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD, Turf Disease Spreading with Keloland News

Ryan Myott of Weller Brothers Landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD discussing red thread disease on Keloland news

Ryan Myott Discusses Red Thread Disease Keloland news

Sioux Falls residents may notice tannish-pink spots on their lawn after record breaking rain fall.

On July 2, 2024, Keloland News in Sioux Falls, SD, caught up with Weller Brothers Lawn and Tree Health Expert Ryan Myott to learn more about a quickly spreading lawn disease known as Red Thread.

Sioux Falls

Consider the Soil | Tree Talk With Sam

Consider the soil

Tree Talk with Sam

Weller Brothers’s “Tree Talk With Sam” series is produced in partnership with Sam Kezar, Board Certified Master Arborist with Aspen Arboriculture Solutions in Sioux Falls, SD.

So You Want to Plant a Tree

There are hundreds of different types of trees that you can select from when planting, however, first, you should consider your soil type.

Sam is here to tell you how to determine your soil type to select a tree that will thrive for years to come!

Contact Us for Sioux Falls Tree Removal or Health Care

Between our team of certified arborists at Weller Brothers and the expertise of our consultant Sam at Aspen Arboriculture Solutions, your trees are in good hands in Sioux Falls, SD!

Sioux Falls tree talk